Inverclyde’s civic figurehead has written to the Russian ambassador calling for an end to his country’s war in Ukraine.

The intervention by Provost Martin Brennan was unanimously endorsed at a full council meeting on Thursday (24 February 2022) to send a letter in his role as the first citizen of Inverclyde.

The meeting was held to set the council’s budget for the coming year but proceedings got underway with an urgent statement from the area’s civic figurehead following the invasion by Russia into Ukraine.

Provost Brennan, who chaired the meeting, said: “I’ve included this on the agenda as a matter of some urgency.

“Ukraine is a sovereign, independent state. Over the last century, its citizens through war, invasion and famine have died in their millions. In light of the current invasion, I’m seeking for your support for me to write to the Russian ambassador calling for an immediate halt to Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

The proposal received the full backing of all elected members present at the meeting.

In his letter, Provost Brennan says: “In Inverclyde, we have been both shocked and saddened by the tragic scenes that are now being shown around the world, and the Council wishes to express its full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people.”

He added: “We call on the Federation of Russia to cease its attacks, to leave the national territory of Ukraine, to respect all international treaties and fundamental principles of international law and to recognise the full sovereignty of Ukraine over all its territories.”

The full text of the letter is below.

Dear Mr Ambassador

Unlawful Invasion of Ukraine

At a meeting of Inverclyde Council on 24^th February, all elected members of the Council joined me in strongly condemning the multiple attacks and violations that the Federation of Russia has chosen to launch against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

In Inverclyde, we have been both shocked and saddened by the tragic scenes that are now being shown around the world, and the Council wishes to express its full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people.

This needless escalation of violence, repeated bombings and attacks on Ukrainian cities and territories are a serious threat to the preservation of peace and democracy across Europe. We call on the Federation of Russia to cease its attacks, to leave the national territory of Ukraine, to respect all international treaties and fundamental principles of international law and to recognise the full sovereignty of Ukraine over all its territories.

Yours Sincerely,

Provost Martin Brennan